Tao Li Missed The Medal
The Australian Trickett did it at a world record of 56 seconds.
When Tao Li broke her own record and came 4th with 57 seconds to propel her into the finals today, Singapore was all cheers yesterday. Now that she came in 5th in the finals, will the cheers still be there for her?
I say, we should. Why? Because she is a sportswoman.
Look, she was there in the first place not to clinch a medal in an obvious way. She was there to beat all the odds, which, as I see, was more than one.
She wasn’t as tall as the champion, or the other swimmers per se, so she had lost that natural edge against her components. She probably had to endure extra stress carrying hopes of her actually winning a medal for this lion city known for its roar and greenery, but not sports.
She just broke her own record to go under 58 seconds, and in a day we were hoping that she could beat that best to reach another climax.
She went for it. Dived, swam and persevered with all her might. Though she didn’t do as well as her time in the semi-finals, but she had her own leap of achievement. Let’s hope that she would take this Olympics as a learning experience, not only in sports, but also in life, and be encourgaged and stimulated by it to climb greater heights for herself. And for Singapore.
Singapore didn’t do really well so far (shooter Lee’s out, and so is shuttler Susilo), and I can only imagine the added pressure on the others who have yet to play. So to all of you out there in Beijing, while you might be going all the way for a medal, remember to enjoy the moment too.
Because it is not once in 4 years, it is a once in a lifetime moment.
, found in Love Box(s)
If LOVE, Kloudiia has touched your heart, please leave a donation and enjoy the spirit of giving, loving and passing this on to others too. 20% of what you give goes to charity. Thank You.
I guess we must remember she came in 5th, in the World and she was only milliseconds behind number 4. So it’s a superb result.
August 11th, 2008 | #
Hey Shen, yes you’re right. Let’s hope that she would overtake herself again and excel in her next event - the 200m butterfly style.
August 11th, 2008 | #
even though she din win anything or come in last, we must still support her cos she’s carrying singapore hope and she’s there to finish the race for singapore. as simple as it is.
August 11th, 2008 | #
I’m sure Singapore feel the same way as you do Tianhong. Even Tao Li herself felt overjoyed that she’s now ranked #5 in the world. What a feat!
August 12th, 2008 | #
Hi Kloudiia. On behalf of Tao Li, and her coach and support staff, thank you for your support of Tao Li’s achievement. I have read far too many articles across the Singapore Media that have used the word ‘failed’ and ‘disappointed’ and ‘hopes dashed’ to describe her achievement when in fact, if taken in perspective, it was anything but a negative performance.
August 16th, 2008 | #
Hi leftathome! Are you part of that team too? Whoa, if you are then I’m surely surprised and happy to see you here!
If there are so many disappointing articles you mentioned, I’m sure there are others who will also agree that this is an excellent learning and growing experience for Tao Li. To be a world champion takes much, much more than merely physical skills. First-rate mental strength and emotional control comes into play as well.
I’m sure and certainly hope she will get herself even more prepared for the next game! Like I said, it’s only the beginning.
Believe in it and go for it! Yay
August 17th, 2008 | #